The Master's Chair (The Chronicles of Terah) (51 page)

“Of course!”

“Make one, unmake one, all the same,”
Glendymere said with a sigh. He was a little disappointed in Kevin’s lack of enthusiasm.
“Why don’t you walk around a little and clear your head. Then I’ll make another one and you can stop it. You can learn to create one later, after you get used to them.”

After Kevin and Chris walked all the way around the butte a couple of times, Kevin joined Glendymere at the edge and Chris sat down and leaned back against a boulder to watch. After the first couple of hours of watching Glendymere stir up tornadoes so that Kevin could practice calming them down, Chris fell asleep.

Towards the middle of the afternoon, Glendymere decided that they had worked long enough for one day and asked Kevin if he and Chris were about ready to head back home.

“Can you give us a few minutes to walk around and loosen up first?” Kevin asked.

Glendymere nodded and settled down to wait.

After Kevin woke Chris up, the two of them started walking around the edge of the butte again.

“So, did you manage to stop Glendymere’s tornadoes?” Chris asked while they were walking.

“Yes, so far anyway. It’s not hard to calm one down if you catch it right as it’s forming, but once one gets going good, it’s nearly indestructible. You can’t calm it until you break its connection with the ground, and that’s like trying to unwind a tight spring. I can do it, but it takes time and a lot of effort. Unfortunately, while I’m working on that, the tornado is still destroying everything in its path,” Kevin explained. “I won’t feel comfortable around a tornado until I know I can stop it quickly, and I’m afraid that’s a long way off.”

“Well, can you influence its path? Turn it away from where it’s headed? Send it off in a new direction?” Chris asked.

“Yes, I finally figured out how to do that. The bad part is that while I’m concentrating on turning it, I can’t do anything about stopping it. I sort of have to make a choice, either control it or destroy it. I’m not strong enough to handle both at once.”

“Do you think you’ll get there? Or is this one of those things where that’s as good as it gets?”

“I don’t know. For now, I’m just happy that I managed to stop them. I want more practice though, a lot more practice. Before we head out this winter, I want to be absolutely sure that I can either turn one away from us or stop it before it gets to us,” Kevin answered. “We’re going to have to travel through the heart of tornado alley on the way to Milhaven.”

“Are you going to try to learn how to start one? Or have you decided not to bother with that?”

“I think I’m going to give it a try. I still think they’re monsters, and I don’t want to make anything that I can’t control, but Glendymere’s right. If I can get to the point that I can control where it goes, it would be one awesome weapon, don’t you think?”

“Oh, it would be awesome all right. Just as long as it doesn’t end up destroying what you’re trying to protect,” Chris said hesitantly. “I just hope that we’re never in a position where you have to resort to such drastic measures.”

“Same here, but don’t count on it.”

“Can all sorcerers create and control storms like that? Or is this one of the things that you can do because of the elven genes?”

“I’m not sure. Let’s ask Glendymere,” Kevin said.

“I heard the question. Several human sorcerers have been successful at stirring up a storm by raising the temperature in the air mass close to the ground and then charging the air with bolts of energy. But as far as controlling it enough to get a tornado out of it, I don’t think so. At least I haven’t heard of any who have been able to do it.”

“That could make it even better. No one would be expecting it,” Kevin said. “Can we come back out here tomorrow afternoon and work on this some more?”

“Yes, if you want to,”
Glendymere said as he stretched his leg out for them to climb up.
“Let’s head back. It’s getting late and I’m ready for a nap.”

After Kevin and Chris climbed aboard, Glendymere soared off towards Willow Canyon.

~ ~ ~ ~

That evening during dinner Kevin told the others that Duane and Xantha were coming and should arrive sometime during the next week.

“I can’t wait to see what Duane thinks of Kevin as a warrior now,” Joan said with a grin.

“I’ve been thinking about something ever since Glendymere mentioned that Duane’s coming,” Chris said slowly. “He’s probably going to ask about our trip down. How much are we going to tell him?”

“Are you being paranoid again?” Joan teased.

“Probably. I just don’t know how he and Kalen would react to the thought that there are bounty hunters out there looking for us and that there’s a price on our heads, all because we helped a slave escape from the Seated Sorcerer of Brendolanth,” Chris explained.

“Umm, when you put it like that, it doesn’t sound like a very smart move on our part, does it?” Karl agreed.

“We can tell him about the healing clinics, our performances, even the bandit attack, but maybe we should keep anything to do with Taelor our little secret,” Steve said.

“Are we going to tell him that we’re changing our cover for the trip to Camden?” Darrell asked.

“If we do, should we mention that we don’t plan to tell Tyree?” Theresa asked. “If Duane knows Tyree, he might be insulted that we don’t trust Tyree enough to tell him our plans.”

“We might just have to risk it,” Kevin said. “Darrell, you and Duane spent a lot of time together at Kalen’s. How do you think we should handle this?”

“From a defensive point of view, the fewer people who know our plans the better. I’ll tell Duane that that’s why we’re not going to tell Tyree anything about the minstrel cover we used on our way down here or about our new cover for the trip to Milhaven. He would agree with that, but what reason can I give him for changing our cover story?”

“You could tell him that no minstrel in his right mind would cross the Great Plains in the dead of winter, and we were concerned that there might be a lot of questions and speculations if we stayed with that cover, especially in the areas where we had already performed. So, we switched to a new cover that we hope will be a little more believable,” Steve said.

“That sounds good,” Darrell said. “We’re going to have to be careful what we say, and where we say it.”

“It won’t be that bad. I’ve been listening lately, and none of us talk about Taelor or the trip down anymore,” Steve said.

“I just thought of something,” Joan said. “Theresa, you’re going to be Teri while Tyree is here, right?”

Theresa nodded.

“How are we going to explain that to Duane?”

“We’ll tell him it’s just a nickname if he asks, but I bet he won’t even notice. Duane might not call you Teri, but if the rest of us do, Tyree will think of you as Teri, and that’s all that matters,” Karl said as he stood up. “I’m ready for coffee. Anyone else want some?”

Chapter 40

Tyree Arrives

Duane and Xantha arrived Monday morning while Glendymere was gone to get Tyree. After lunch Xantha invited Kevin to go flying with him while Duane visited with the others.

“So, you’re finally getting used to the idea of being a sorcerer,”
Xantha said.

“I still don’t like the idea of being the Master Sorcerer, but being a regular sorcerer has its moments.”

“I was hoping some girl would catch your eye while you were traveling down here. Want me to check around? See if any of the local girls would be a good candidate? I’ll have plenty of time while I’m here.”

“No, and don’t get started on that topic. There are a lot of things I need to take care of before I can even think along those lines,” Kevin said in exasperation.

“All right, but as soon as you’re seated, you’re going to have to get serious about finding a mate. You need heirs!”

“I may not even last a month, and in that case, the whole idea of heirs becomes moot. Besides, when the time is right, I’ll find my own girl, and I won’t need any help.”

“That’s what you think,”
Xantha mumbled.

As they were flying over Willow Canyon, Kevin spotted a shadow near the horizon. “Isn’t that Glendymere?”

“Yes, it is. Let’s land and wait for him.”
Xantha said as he swooped down to the canyon floor.

After a few minutes they heard the sound of Glendymere’s wings as he circled the canyon before landing. Once Glendymere settled on the ground, he extended his foreleg for Tyree to climb down, but Tyree didn’t move.

“Kevin, would you mind helping Tyree down?”
Glendymere asked.
“I think the trip was a little more than he bargained for.”

 “What happened?” Kevin asked.

“I’m not quite sure. It’s not dragon fright
,” Glendymere said,
“but he doesn’t seem to be able to move. I don’t think he can let go of my chain.”

“I know just how he feels,” Kevin said with a grin as he scampered up Glendymere’s leg. When he reached the dragon’s neck, he found Tyree clutching the chain in a death grip and staring straight ahead.

“It’s all right. You can let go now,” Kevin said as he tried to gently pry the chain out of Tyree’s fingers.

After a few minutes, Tyree looked at Kevin, jerked his head in a nod, and tried to unclench his fist. Kevin unbuckled the safety harness and sat down beside the older man to give him some time to relax. “I felt the same way the first time I flew. You’ll feel better soon.”

Tyree looked like he was about seventy years old, but Kevin figured that was partly due to fear. His black hair was speckled with gray, and his beard had gray streaks running through it, but it was still predominantly black. As the color started coming back into his face and his facial muscles began to relax, he dropped about fifteen years.

“I … I’ve flown before, just never on the back of a dragon,” Tyree gasped. “I’ve known Glendymere for years. I don’t know why I reacted like this.” Tyree finally managed to release his grip on Glendymere’s chain and shook his hands to get the blood circulating again. When he tried to stand, he staggered like a drunk.

“Here, let me help you down. Let’s go slow and easy here,” Kevin said as he tried to help Tyree stay on his feet. Tyree was a little shorter than Kevin, but they probably weighed about the same and every time Tyree wobbled, he pulled Kevin off balance. “Wait a minute. I’ve got an idea. Close your eyes and don’t open them until I tell you to. Trust me. It will help.”

“I don’t see how, but I’ll try anything,” Tyree mumbled, clutching Kevin’s tunic to try to keep his balance.

Kevin waited until he was sure that Tyree’s eyes were shut. Then he gently eased Tyree off Glendymere’s back and flew him to the ground. Once they were standing on the ground, Kevin said, “All right. You can open your eyes now. You’re down.”

“What? Did Glendymere do that?” Tyree asked. “Or are you a sorcerer?”

“I had nothing to do with it,”
Glendymere answered.
“Tyree, may I introduce Myron, son of Badec, of the House of Nordin.”

“Myron?” Tyree grasped Kevin’s hand. “I’m so pleased to finally meet you. I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you’re all right! So you’re the reason Laryn wanted me to come out here. How may I be of service?”

“How much do I tell him?”
Kevin asked Glendymere mentally.

“That’s up to you, but if you want him to tell you and your friends about Camden, you’re going to have to give him some kind of explanation as to why you don’t already know,”
Glendymere answered Kevin privately.

“Tyree, I need someone who has been on the inside of the government to give me and my companions a quick course in how things work. I always thought my father would explain things to me once I came of age, but unfortunately …” Kevin said.

Tyree nodded. “It’s been a long time since I served in my father’s office, but I’ll be more than happy to try to answer your questions. You mentioned your companions? Are they going to be your officers?”

“They’re my advisors.”

“Have you chosen your governor?”

“No, not yet,” Kevin said.
“Does the sorcerer appoint the governor?”
Kevin shouted out mentally to Glendymere and Xantha.

“Don’t ask me. I have no idea,”
Glendymere said.

“I don’t either. But, isn’t that why he’s here, to answer questions like that? Ask him!”
Xantha said.

“Tyree, I’m not sure who does what, or how any of the positions get filled. I’m not even sure what the positions are. I want you to go over everything with us from the beginning, even the stuff you feel sure everyone knows, just as if none of us had ever set foot on Terah before,” Kevin said.

Tyree hesitated for a beat and then nodded. “I’ll do my best. When would you like to get started?”

“Why don’t you rest up this evening? Our days are pretty full right now, so we’ll need to meet with you in the evenings. Could you join us for dinner tomorrow evening? I can introduce you to my companions then.”

“That would be fine. That will give me some time to get my thoughts in order. Do you want me to go over the organization of the army, too?”

“Yes, and anything else that you think we might need to know,” Kevin answered. “Now, we need to get you settled. Did you bring anything with you?”

“Yes, I brought a small bag. Now where did I put it? I know I had it when we took off,” Tyree said as he looked up towards Glendymere’s back.

“Hold on. I’ll see if it’s still up there,” Kevin said as he flew to Glendymere’s shoulder. He untied the bag and carried it down to Tyree. “Now, to find Blalick.”

“I called him before we landed,”
Glendymere said.
“He should be coming out of the cave about now.”

A couple of minutes later, Blalick walked out of the cave towards them. Blalick nodded at Kevin and took Tyree’s bag while Kevin made the introductions. Then he led Tyree to the path that snaked its way up Wildcat Mountain.

“Well, I think that went well,” Kevin said.

“Until he realizes that you know absolutely nothing about government, taxes, the army, or any of the rest of it,”
Glendymere said with a chuckle.

“Xantha filled me in on a lot of the stuff while we were at Kalen’s. It’s not like we won’t know enough to be able to ask intelligent questions,” Kevin said in self-defense.

“We’ll see. Just keep in mind that we would not have invited him here to tutor you if he were a stupid man,”
Glendymere said.
“He won’t be easily fooled.”

“And if you end up having to tell him where you’re from, what’s the harm?”
Xantha added.
“He’s completely loyal to the House of Nordin.”

“From the way Kalen talked, I got the feeling that it was our duty to try to conceal that detail,” Kevin argued. “I was under the impression that most of the people on Terah don’t even know that Earth exists.”

“Well, it wouldn’t do to go around advertising that fact, but Xantha’s right,”
Glendymere said.
“Tyree knows how to keep his mouth shut or Laryn never would have recommended him for this. After all, she knows where all of you are from, remember?”

“I keep forgetting about her,” Kevin said with a touch of a frown. “I guess you’re right, but I still don’t feel comfortable trusting strangers with details about my life.”

“Probably a good idea to keep thinking like that,”
Glendymere agreed.
“Just consider Tyree the exception to the rule should the need arise to tell him.”

“Besides,”
Xantha added,
“if he’s as smart as Glendymere seems to think he is, you probably won’t have to tell him anyway. He’ll figure it out for himself.”

~ ~ ~ ~

Kevin introduced Tyree to the others Tuesday evening. The dinner conversation was the polite non-conversation of strangers who end up sharing a table. They discussed the weather, the coming winter, and the scenery. After the dishes had been cleared from the table, Steve asked Tyree to tell them a little about Camden.

Tyree took a map of Camden out of his pocket and spread it out on the table. “As you can see, Camden is surrounded by water. The good thing is that there are no disputes over the boundary line. The bad thing is that we have to defend our entire border against slavers.”

“Is that a major problem?” Kevin asked. “I mean, are there frequent raids?”

“I don’t know if I would call them frequent, but I’d say that ten to fifteen families are captured each month.”

“That’s around a hundred and fifty a year!” Darrell exclaimed.

Tyree nodded. “True, but remember, we’re talking about ten thousand miles of open border.”

“Aren’t there army units in all of the towns?” Karl asked.

“Yes, each town has at least a ten-man unit, and in the event of an attack, all of the men in the village would turn out, armed and ready to fight, but the towns are usually twenty miles or so from the water, and there are a lot of open miles between the towns. If the slavers raid the outlying families, they would be long gone before help could arrive, probably before anyone in town even found out that help was needed. The farmers and fishermen who live near the coast have to pretty much take care of themselves.”

“Do they do anything to try to protect themselves?” Joan asked.

“Well, they live in clusters of four or five families so that they can try to protect each other, not that it does much good. The slavers are trained warriors, and farmers and fishermen are easy targets. Even though they’re skilled hunters, shooting a person is different from shooting a deer. The slavers don’t hesitate to kill, the local men do, and that as much as anything leads to their defeat.”

“Does the army do anything to discourage slavers?” Chris asked.

“There isn’t much that can be done as long as the slavers are so well paid. We capture a few every year, but for every one that we capture, dozens go free, so that’s not much of a deterrent.”

“How many districts does Camden have?” Steve asked.

“There are eighty districts, each around a hundred miles square. Some of the mountain regions have more territory, but smaller populations.”

“So there are eighty district ministers. Do they ever get together to discuss things like slaver raids?” Steve asked.

“Yes, they meet once a year with the governor in Milhaven to discuss problems, concerns, and taxes,” Tyree answered.

“When do they meet?” Karl asked.

“Usually during the summer. A lot of the district ministers are farmers, and spring and fall are busy times, and the weather in winter is so unpredictable that no one wants to schedule anything then.”

“How long does the conference usually last?” Karl asked.

“About a week. They all communicate during the year, so most of their concerns are well known before the meeting. It just formalizes things.”

“Such as?” Karl asked.

“Taxes for one. A minister can’t raise the tax rate for his district unless the whole group agrees that it’s necessary, so he has to present his case during the conference and let all of the ministers vote on it. That way a minister can’t set himself up to get rich riding on the backs of the people in the district.”

“Wouldn’t it be better if the tax rate was the same in all of the districts?” Kevin asked.

“Ideally, yes, but look at a mountain district for a moment. They need a district sorcerer to help clear farm lands of boulders and trees, and there are always landslides in the spring. In addition, people traveling through often get themselves in a mess and have to be rescued. The people who live in the district have to chip in to help pay for a sorcerer, but since there are fewer people, they have to chip in a little extra, so they have a slightly higher tax rate,” Tyree said.

“That makes sense, I guess. It just seems to me that everyone should contribute the same amount, no matter where they live,” Kevin said.

“Then you would have to take the surplus from one district to pay the bills in another, and I don’t think the people would like that very much,” Tyree said. “Of course, you could suggest it if you wish.”

Kevin nodded, but he knew that he was in over his head. He didn’t understand economics and politics well enough to make suggestions about changing a system that had worked for years. Maybe Steve would have some ideas.